Woodcarver

Hugh Wedderburn

London, England

In small shop in East London, woodcarving craftsman Hugh Wedderburn, builds objects from a different era. The chair he was completing is a ten-year commission. The patrons changed their mind a few times, so the chair has seen a few revisions. The nearly finished piece contains a full carved narrative about the opium trade in the Far East and a tumultuous warning about marriage.

From conception to carving Hugh handles every part of the process by hand. His work extends beyond furniture to include architectural elements in many of England’s National Trust homes. In an era where it feels as if click-together side tables might eliminate the market for handmade furniture, Hugh shows us how he offers something that is both singular and completely unique.